“It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of our beloved friend and band member Dave Hlubek. Dave was one of the founding lead guitarists of Molly Hatchet. Amongst his many contributions to southern rock is ‘Flirtin’ with Disaster.’ Our condolences and our prayers go out to his family during this time of loss. He will be missed but never forgotten, as the music lives on through his legacy in Molly Hatchet,” said fellow lead guitarist Bobby Ingram.

“Wow. We just heard that our friend Dave Hlubek, lead guitar and one of the founding members of Molly Hatchet has passed away of a heart attack. Our love and thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans. Rest in Peace Dave.”

“My Heart is broken yet again! Dave Hlubek Was a true friend to My late Husband Jimmie and myself!!!!! We shared a lot of time together and memories… I will miss you, my sweet friend, please give Jimmie one of you big hugs,” Van Zant said on Facebook.

In 1979, Molly Hatchet broke it big with their hit single, “Flirtin’ With Disaster.” He would later leave the band in 1987 due to his addiction to drugs. He was later invited to rejoin the group in 2005, playing backup on the band’s eleventh studio album, Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge, and would continue to tour with the band over the years.

Earlier this year, Molly Hatchet bassist Banner Thomas died of complications of pneumonia, at 63, on April 10, 2017.